Day 2: I've Arrived & To Prove It, I'm Here

Been listening to any song with the word "Duluth" in the title on Spotify. So far, my favorite one is "Duluth." I am officially here today and can also hear again too. All the gunk from my ear went back to my nose in the night. Better to hear people, then smell their breath. I hope to get out and about tomorrow and start making the most of this trip.

A quiet man let me into my apartment which I rented from a woman on AirBnb. He didn't say much. I asked where the pool was. He said "Lake Superior." It's a nice apartment. A little feminine but it'll work and way cheaper than some crap motel. A picture of Jesus sits in front of the toilet. He stares at you and he cries when you poop.

There's something called Alternate Side Parking. I'm parked on the side everyone else is, so I guess I'm good? There is snow. It's all around. There's a light drizzle now. There's also a lot of what I think is called "smud" - snow & mud. It's a blast to drive on. Your car goes this way and that way. Fun and little shady like any good carnival ride. One of my biggest goals with this trip is to successfully return the car to ACE without any incident.

Driving up from St. Paul this morning, I found this state really is beautiful. It's like what you always thought Christmas should look like from a California perspective. It was a "warm" 32 degrees today. I'm told the negative numbers are coming this weekend which I look forward to. I wanna know what cold is. I want Duluth to show me.

My only venture in town today was going to Super One Foods. I thought getting groceries for my apartment would help cut down on costs.  Not so when you shop at the Super One. It's like Safeway without the club card. Paying full price for things you know are overmarked hurts so bad. And they didn't have sliced salami or even salami sticks? Yet, they had entire displays of pepperoni. I looked for the beer aisle twice until I realized those couple 24 packs of Milwaukee's Best were it. They asked if I wanted paper or plastic. In SF, plastic is the devil's bag so I said paper. They gave me paper bags without handles. How can I carry 4 bags without handles in one trip? No wonder they looked at me weird. Really roughing it out here, folks. (SF SNOB ALERT)

Tomorrow I might meet people. I look forward to this.

My Cute Little Apartment.

Day 1: Yep

The first words I heard from a Minnesotan, upon asking if this was the shuttle to the car rental place, was "You Betcha." Really? I guess there's a reason for stereotypes.

This day started with a very early pickup from my house to SFO. The early morning hot mix of Estelle, Katy Perry, & Miley Cyrus from the shuttle radio made me want to go to my fictional corporate job and "close the deal." Seriously though, nobody should have to listen to "Party In The USA" at 4:30 in the morning.

Got laid in Phoenix. Laid over I mean. The plane was delayed. I thought about many bizarre things during this time of contemplation, which by this point I've completed forgotten. Mostly I thought how long will I continue to be sick? I am slightly better today or at least I was. Since arriving at MSP, my entire left ear has been clogged up and refuses to go away. It's not much fun being in mono.

I write from the Prime Rate Motel where I've been told there are free donuts for breakfast. The decor looks exactly as one would expect from a budget Minnesota motel from 1982. Also numerous items are slanted to the left on the wall. Does nobody care? Am I first person to stay in Room 139? Or is there some some of "Mystery Spot" action going on here. In the corner is the chair that nobody wants to see. A table sits next to it but sitting on the floor gives you the same height advantage as the chair. I'm being very descriptive because I'm also being very lazy and refuse to just take pictures.

I could of gone to a one of a kind place here in Wherever I Am, Minnesota but just wanted something quick, simple, and could bring back to my room. It's just not a Bumpers Sports Bar night. So I decided to eat fresh at the nearby Subway. In going to a place familiar to these eyes, I was able to spot the subtle differences. First of all, everybody here is White. Growing up in highly diverse Stockton, CA, I still find large groups of just white people a little strange. Secondly, this Subway was gigantic and stretched out for what seemed to be miles. Thirdly, they just give you spinach without even asking. I busted out some Arctic clothes for this Subway trip and found myself overdressed. I was prepared for ice fishing. Not the Spicy Italian.

But yes, what you've heard is true. It's cold outside...Sorry.....BABY, it's cold outside. Although warm for here, I believe it was around 21 degrees. It didn't feel too bad. It was brisk. I kinda liked it actually and was slightly disappointed that my lungs didn't catch on fire or my eyelids froze open. I will regret that joke when it comes time to actually filming outside. And besides, I did lose my hearing so there's that.

Tomorrow I'll make my 2 hour trek to Duluth where I have an apartment waiting for me for 2 1/2 weeks. Just imagine the adjectives there! My hearing MUST be back by Monday or it's doctor time. Granted I'm not the Soundguy, but it's real hard to concentrate. Overall though, I'm excited. What am I doing here? A smug grin came across my face when the ACE Car Rental girl asked me this and I replied "I gotta go to Duluth." Nuff said.

The Journey Begins

Tomorrow at 4:00am, a shuttle will take me to San Francisco Airport where I'll take a plane to Minnesota. I also stop in Phoenix but by the time I get there, she'll be rising. Why do people always say "safe travels?" It's not like I'm flying the plane.

The film continues to get press in Duluth. Here's a radio interview I did for a local radio station: http://www.wtip.org/drupal/content/filmmaker-vincent-gargiulo-duluth-horrible-film

Two days of auditions are lined up Wednesday & Thursday. I'm feeling good about these prospects. I'm glad alot of them are actual Duluthians and not just a bunch of actors shipped in from Minneapolis (though there are those too). I could use a few more auditions for women in their 30s so if you are such an age and will be in Duluth at the same time, let me know. I also hope to secure all locations this upcoming week too. Luckily, there's not all that many. Once I have actors & locations set, we'll shoot for approximately 3 days. That should probably do it. I've tried to keep things simple and my crew will consist of myself, a fantastic cinematographer named Keith Horn, sound guy Dan (of course), and a stable of young optimistic people who want to help. I hope I don't crush their cinematic dreams with my increasing use of profanity and pessimism as the days go by. Hey, filmmaking isn't always fun ok!

I have encountered one slight setback so far. I am sick. Yesterday, I was really bad and saw visions of things usually reserved for my films. Today I am ok. At least, good enough to get on an airplane. With the help of my friend Mucinex D, I hope to be better soon. There is much to do.

Starting today, I'll be writing a daily entry here about my adventures in the Land of Lakes (love their margarine). Be ready for exclusive Duluth filmmaking coverage. Let's go to Minnesota!

Casting Call

Title: Duluth Is Horrible
Synopsis: A series of vignettes chronicling a few lonely people in Duluth, MN searching for a connection in a bleak winter.
Project Type: Short Film
Usage: DVD, Film Festivals, Eventual Internet
Shooting Dates: We're shooting 3 days between Feb.4-14. Specific dates TBD and can work somewhat with your schedule. Most roles will be needed 1-2 days, except the Lead.
Shooting Location: Will be in Duluth, MN. 
Audition Time: Wed. Jan. 30 from Noon-4. Thu. Jan. 31st from 4-8. Please email vincent@vincentgargiulo.com to set up time and receive a script. Please include any acting experience and a picture. If you cannot make either and want to audition, please email me.
Audition Location: Duluth. Address given after setting up appointment.
Union Status: Non-Union
Compensation: Copy, Credit, Expenses, Mileage, Select Roles Additional $ 
Submissions Due: Jan. 30 

Roles:
Broken Hearted Man (35-45/M)
Lead. After girlfriend breaks up with him, goes on a trip out of state. Sits on a bench outside and sings acapella the brief title song. Sings a full song at karaoke.
Must be willing to travel out of state (expenses paid) Feb. 13/14. Must be able to sing decently. Comp: $100

Redditor (18-30/M)
Asks for advice on the website, Reddit, on a situation about his roommate & cat. Later seen watching porn in the dark. 

Office Worker (21+/M)
No lines. Walks through the office 3 times. Every time he turns a particular corner, there is something unusual.

Wasted Woman/Carmen Miranda 1(21+/W)
Says one line to herself overheard at work "If I didn't get wasted every night…". Later briefly seen dressed as Carmen Miranda. 

Zookeeper (40-50/M)
Shy man who works at the zoo as a groundskeeper. Draws doodles of the animals. On online date with younger woman.
Must have mustache & be able to draw doodles of animals quickly.

Younger Woman On Date/Carmen Miranda 2 (26-34/F)
On date with zookeeper but not at all interested. New in town. Loves animals. Later briefly seen dressed as Carmen Miranda. No accent preferred.  
Must be able to improv some lines about why she loves animals.

Broken Hearted Woman (35-45)
Seen walking at night alone. Later seen sitting at home listening to a home recording of herself
Must be able to sing a short song. Comp: $50

Lesbian 1/Carmen Miranda 3 (21+)
No lines. Seen briefly making out with another woman in everyday office clothes. Later briefly seen dressed as Carmen Miranda.
Must be comfortable with kissing another woman. Comp: $50

Lesbian 2/Sex Chat Girl (21+) 
Seen briefly making out with another woman. Later is revealed she does an internet webcam sex show.
Must be comfortable with kissing another woman. No nudity in sex chat scene but very suggestive clothing. Must be comfortable discussing sexuality frankly. Comp: $150

Male Tourist (26+)
Him & his girlfriend are seen arguing in their car driving round town. They also go to the Mall. No accent preferred.
Must be able to drive.

Female Tourist (26+)
Her & her boyfriend are seen arguing in their car driving round town. They also go to the Mall. No accent preferred.

 

Coming Soon To Your Town...

It's a done deal. The town is expecting me. I made an offer to the Mayor that if he starred in the film, I'd change the title. He wanted to know if a cameo would do the trick. Maybe...it'd depend where. I can always hire a Don Ness impersonator and keep the title as is.

Most logistics are taken care of. I have my flight booked, an apartment (courtesy of Airbnb), a rental car, a cinematographer, and clothing that will make me look like an idiot. Have a location list and a casting list, though not officially posted just yet. Auditions and location scouting will be that first week I'm there and the shooting will be the next week. I believe all shooting can be all completed in 4 days.

I should be back on Feb. 14 because there is nothing more romantic than being on a 8 hour flight with one stop in Phoenix. This certainly will be an adventure. I'm excited to go somewhere, to meet new people, to have new experiences, and obviously make my next film. It'll be like Call Of The Wild without the dog and more open cases of clinical depression.

Back on the homefront, I lost a production gig because "I do comedy" and they're making a drama. Keep in mind, I would be the cinematographer. Can you frame for funny? Even if you can, it's a light chuckle. I hope "Duluth Is Horrible" will show I'm capable of producing more dramatic work. That said, I got my Carmen Miranda costumes in the mail today.

I'm Going To Duluth

With the help of 87 generous backers, I’ve successfully funded my next film, “Duluth Is Horrible.” I’m a little shocked honestly and surprised, but there is little time to just sit in a daze. It’s time to put the wheels in motion. I’ve already started looking at the best travel times. I’m thinking I’ll leave Jan. 26 and return around Feb. 14, as to be present for my Muppetless Movie showing at the SF Indiefest.

I THINK I can get everything I need in that period. I don’t suspect actual shooting to be all that lengthy. There’s only 17 scenes and some are very brief. What will take a while is finding the right actors and they will be key to the film’s success. There’s about 20 roles of varying requirements and I will put up a casting call perhaps before arriving. I’ll also need to find locations and with a title like mine, this could be a challenge.

I have already purchased my winter clothes after studying the Arctic Climate Guide. I am convinced I will be laughed at. But at least I will be warm. I will writing in my blog hopefully every day about my adventures.

Before this all my previous films were self-funded and it was a bonus that people seemed to like them. Now those same people have given me money to make another so I feel the need to make something really great. My goal is to make something beautiful. I certainly hope I can and am extremely grateful to those who backed the project to give me the chance. Thank you.

Now, let's make a movie! 

The Time Of Twilight Is Approaching!

Well Ladies & Gentlemen, this is it. This Saturday at Noon, my Kickstarter campaign will be over. I've gotten a huge push since the last update and we're only about 2 grand away. I think there's a good chance of this thing happening. Thanks to everyone who has donated so far and has spammed their friends with this thing. My appreciation doesn't translate well in words on the internet but I seriously appreciate any & all support. I owe everyone a beer (and whatever rewards you signed up for).

Assuming the campaign is a success come Sat, then it's time to get serious. Put up a casting call, find locations, book equipment & crew. My plan is to do some of this before my journey but obviously most will need to happen in Duluth. I'm looking forward to meeting people, spending time there, and apologizing to everyone for unfairly calling it horrible.

ALSO, SPECIAL MINNESOTA OFFER!: Pledge $2500 and we'll change the name to either "Duluth Is Ok Actually," "Fresno Is Amazing," or my personal favorite "Duluth, Don't Lose That Number." Think about it!

I'm going to bug everyone I know one more time and hopefully you can do that too, especially with your politician, NFL & dentist friends. Thanks again and I hope to have exciting news soon!

- Vincent